Grille guard configured to convert into a vehicle-mounted bench

Abstract

A grille guard configured to be rotatably attached to a vehicle by a pivot bracket having a first end configured to be attached to a frame of the vehicle and a second end attached to the grille guard. The grille guard is rotatably attached to the frame so as to be movable between an upright configuration where the grille guard extends orthogonally relative to the bumper and a horizontal configuration where the grille guard extends in parallel relative to the bumper. A support assembly including a support member supports the grille guard when the grille guard is in the horizontal configuration.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A grille guard assembly configured to be attached to a vehicle including a frame and a bumper attached to the frame, comprising:
 a grille guard configured to be rotatably attached to the frame by a pivot bracket having a first end configured to be attached to the frame and a second end attached to the grille guard;   a support assembly configured to be attached to the bumper;   a clevis bracket that is configured to be attached to the bumper; and   a latch pin,   wherein the grille guard is rotatably attached to the frame so as to be movable between an upright configuration where the grille guard extends orthogonally relative to the bumper and a horizontal configuration where the grille guard extends in parallel relative to the bumper,   wherein the support assembly includes a support member having a proximate end configured to be attached to the bumper and a distal end configured to mate with the grille guard when the grille guard is in the horizontal configuration, and   wherein the grille guard includes a flange having a first aperture formed therein configured for receipt of the latch pin, and the latch pin is configured to secure the flange to the clevis bracket.   
     
     
         2 . The grille guard assembly according to  claim 1 , wherein the support member is configured to pivot relative to the bumper between a stowed position and an extended position. 
     
     
         3 . The grille guard assembly according to  claim 1 , wherein the clevis bracket includes a pair of spaced apart and upstanding ears that define a recess configured for receipt of the flange, and each ear has a second aperture configured for receipt of the latch pin. 
     
     
         4 . The grille guard assembly according to  claim 1 , wherein the support assembly includes a mounting bracket configured to be attached to the bumper, and the support member is pivotably attached to the mounting bracket. 
     
     
         5 . The grille guard assembly according to  claim 1 , wherein the grille guard includes a peripheral tube that defines a perimeter of the grille guard, and a plurality of upstanding tubes connected to the peripheral tube. 
     
     
         6 . The grille guard assembly according to  claim 5 , wherein the distal end of the support member includes a hollow semi-cylindrical portion that is configured for receipt of one of the upstanding tubes when the grille guard is in the horizontal configuration. 
     
     
         7 . The grille guard assembly according to  claim 1 , wherein the proximate end of the support member includes a hollow cylinder configured for receipt of a pivot pin that is configured to attach the support member to the bumper. 
     
     
         8 . The grille guard assembly according to  claim 1 , further comprising a panel configured to mate with the grille guard when the grille guard is in the horizontal position, the panel configured to function as a seat when the grille guard is in the horizontal position. 
     
     
         9 . A vehicle, comprising:
 a frame;   a bumper attached to the frame;   a grille guard rotatably attached to the frame by a pivot bracket having a first end attached to the frame and a second end attached to the grille guard;   a support assembly attached to the bumper; and   a panel configured to mate with the grille guard,   wherein the grille guard is rotatably attached to the frame so as to be movable between an upright configuration where the grille guard extends orthogonally relative to the bumper and a horizontal configuration where the grille guard extends in parallel relative to the bumper,   wherein the support assembly includes a support member having a proximate end attached to the bumper and a distal end configured to mate with the grille guard when the grille guard is in the horizontal configuration, and   wherein the panel is configured to mate with the grille guard and function as a seat when the grille guard is in the horizontal position.   
     
     
         10 . The vehicle according to  claim 9 , wherein the support member is configured to pivot relative to the bumper between a stowed position and an extended position. 
     
     
         11 . The vehicle according to  claim 9 , further comprising a clevis bracket that is attached to the bumper; and
 a latch pin,   wherein the grille guard includes a flange having a first aperture formed therein configured for receipt of the latch pin, and the latch pin is configured to secure the flange to the clevis bracket.   
     
     
         12 . The vehicle according to  claim 11 , wherein the clevis bracket includes a pair of spaced apart and upstanding ears that define a recess configured for receipt of the flange, and each ear has a second aperture configured for receipt of the latch pin. 
     
     
         13 . The vehicle according to  claim 9 , wherein the support assembly includes a mounting bracket attached to the bumper, and the support member is pivotably attached to the mounting bracket. 
     
     
         14 . The vehicle according to  claim 9 , wherein the grille guard includes a peripheral tube that defines a perimeter of the grille guard, and a plurality of upstanding tubes connected to the peripheral tube. 
     
     
         15 . The vehicle according to  claim 14 , wherein the distal end of the support member includes a hollow semi-cylindrical portion that is configured for receipt of the peripheral tube when the grille guard is in the horizontal configuration. 
     
     
         16 . The vehicle according to  claim 9 , wherein the proximate end of the support member includes a hollow cylinder configured for receipt of a pivot pin that is configured to attach the support member to the bumper.